Studies 1 to 2
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ADA024
The surprising reaction of the apostles
After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, the apostles react in a surprising way, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Far from being discouraged, they continue their ministry every day in the Temple and in the houses, teaching and announcing the good news. Luke shows that persecutions, far from stopping the Gospel, paradoxically contribute to its progress.
Colossians 4.15 (King James Version) :Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA025
The appointment of the Seven and the organization of the early Church
Acts 6,1-7 relates the first internal crisis of the Jerusalem Church, linked to the unequal distribution to the widows. To remedy it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes the ministries while affirming their complementarity, and is accompanied by remarkable growth of the nascent Christian community.
Acts 1.13 (King James Version) :And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org